West Caldwell Provides Update on Park Restrictions, Event Cancellations and More

Content Options

WEST CALDWELL, NJ — Adhering to social-distancing mandates, the West Caldwell mayor and council utilized an audio-only Zoom chat platform on Tuesday to hold their regular government meeting and to provide updates on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the township.

“We are obviously in an unprecedented time with the pandemic, and it is unusual for governing bodies to act in this manner—whether it is planning or zoning boards, councils, etc.—but this is our new ‘new’ for a couple of more months,” Mayor Joseph Tempesta, who also encouraged residents to sign up for his daily “robo calls," which provide local data, protocols and restrictions related to the pandemic.

Reminding residents about the governor’s order to close all county and state parks, Tempesta noted that it is up to the local governments whether to close their municipal parks.

Sign Up for West Essex Newsletter

Our newsletter delivers the local news that you can trust.

You have successfully signed up for the TAPinto West Essex Newsletter.

He announced that the Township of West Caldwell’s has decided to keep the municipal parks open for the time being, but reiterated that any activities violating the social-distancing requirements, such as tennis matches and any contact sports, are not permitted.

“Enjoy our parks, but you must maintain social distancing or we will have to close them,” the mayor said.

Councilman Michael Crudele noted that Camp Wyanokie is among the parks that are closed until further notice per the governor’s directive.

In addition to wishing community members strength and good health as they continue to quarantine at home, Council President Kathy Canale asked residents to pray for the first responders and essential workers who are putting their lives on the line every day. She also requested prayers for her elderly father, who is currently battling the novel coronavirus.

“I cannot thank our first responders enough for their incredible job,” said Tempesta. “The West Essex First Aid Squad (WEFAS) is taking every call, and they are fully staffed by volunteers. From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of our community, I thank you for your professionalism and bravery.”

WEFAS President Pete Nancoz called into the meeting to thank residents for their support and for providing the volunteers with meals over the last few weeks.

He reported that the call volume to WEFAS has tripled and that the squad has incorporated changes to its normal protocols.

There are currently 85 active members of the WEFAS, who are all wearing personal protection equipment while on duty and attempting to minimize contact. Additionally, no passengers are allowed in the ambulances and no visitors are allowed in the hospitals at this time.

Patients are being transported to hospitals dependent upon their availability, according to Nancoz, who added that the ambulance is being directed as to where each patient should be taken.

In the next few weeks, the WEFAS will conduct its annual fund drive and hopes the community will respond, as the squad’s supplies are being stretched and their expenses have increased due to the pandemic, according to Nancoz.

“We hear you loud and clear,” said Tempesta. “When you are ready, and the letters go out, we will stand by you and solicit funds for you. The entire community thanks you for your service.”

After thanking the members of the WEFAS as well as the police and fire departments for their “professionalism and duty during this unprecedented time,” Councilman Michael Docteroff addressed a public safety issue that recently came to his attention about residents not disposing of gloves properly.

“There is no reason to throw gloves on the floor at CVS, ShopRite or the bus stops,” said Docteroff. “It is unacceptable.”

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages community members to wear protective masks and gloves when leaving their homes in order to slow the spread of COVID-19,removing and disposing of them properly is critical.

Once removed properly, gloves and masks must be placed in with regular garbage for disposal, as these items are not recyclable. According to the CDC, leaving potentially contaminated items on the ground or putting them in with recycling puts the health and safety of public crew members at risk.

Councilman Joseph Cecere reminded residents that all recreational programs are currently on hold, but said the township is currently discussing options for the Memorial Day Parade and plans to reschedule the annual Gazebo concerts for later the summer.

Docteroff added that the municipality has extended sign ups for early discounted memberships to the pools.

During her committee report, Canale noted that the public works department is continuing to repair potholes and prepare the fields for usage. She stated that when the crisis “does turn around,” the township “will be ready.”

The township is also continuing its efforts to replace water mains, test indoor air quality and improvement projects for better drainage throughout the municipality. During Tuesday’s meeting, the council adopted multiple executions of professional services agreements with Maser Consulting, P.A. as part of this effort.

Additionally, Councilman Stanley Hladik reported that the technology subcommittee is currently reviewing computer, cyber and Email upgrades for the police department for the next fiscal budget year.

TRENTON, NJ -- Some good news for teenagers who have been patiently (and not so patiently) waiting to get their drivers licenses.

Gov. Phil Murphy and Chief Administrator Sue Fulton of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) on Friday announced plans for a phased reopening of MVC facilities to the public following closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The reopening will proceed in a ...

TRENTON, NJ -- Some good news for teenagers who have been patiently (and not so patiently) waiting ...

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Township officials and Downtown West Orange on Friday collaborated on a Zoom meeting to address how to execute Stage 2 of the community's reopening efforts.

The discussion focused on how to execute the reopening of local non-essential businesses and restaurants in West Orange. New Jersey will enter Stage 2 of its reopening process from the pandemic shutdown on June 15, when ...

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Township officials and Downtown West Orange on Friday collaborated on a Zoom ...

Editor's Update (Thursday at 10 p.m.): The SYLS has since announced that the movie being shown will be "Toy Story 4," and the event will be limited to 125 cars.

LIVINGSTON, NJ — After hearing about successful drive-in movie nights being held in other towns, a group of Livingston residents and officials worked together to organize a similar event for Livingston residents and announced a ...

Editor's Update (Thursday at 10 p.m.): The SYLS has since announced that the movie being shown will ...

Gov. Phil Murphy outlined a series of guidelines Thursday for tens of thousands of bars and restaurants across the state to follow when they begin to welcome back diners at 6 a.m. on June 15.

When your favorite steakhouse or burger joint opens for outdoor dining next week, limited seating, spread out tables and hand sanitizing stations – not to mention the house specialty – will be on the ...

Gov. Phil Murphy outlined a series of guidelines Thursday for tens of thousands of bars and ...

CALDWELL, NJ — As the global reaction to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin continues to mount, many protests have been peaceful while others have succumbed to violence and vandalism.

However, the citizens of Caldwell organized a peaceful and respectful protest this past Tuesday that was organized by students and recent graduates from James Caldwell High ...

CALDWELL, NJ — As the global reaction to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer ...

TRENTON, NJ – Outdoor dining and in-person retail shopping will be allowed starting June 15, while personal care businesses such as barbershops and hair salons will be able to open a week later as Gov. Phil Murphy continues to peel away social distancing measures.

Youth summer programs will also be permitted to start on July 6 during what Murphy calls Stage 2 of New Jersey’s road back from the ...

MONTCLAIR, NJ - More than 100 people gathered in Glen Ridge Sunday to peacefully protest the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer in Minneapolis kept his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes.

Speakers took the podium to express frustration and call for unity.

For nearly 45 minutes, the group assembled, with some Montclair residents in ...

MONTCLAIR, NJ - More than 100 people gathered in Glen Ridge Sunday to peacefully protest the ...

TRENTON, NJ – Day care centers for the children of essential workers have been opened throughout the COVID-19 crisis. As Governor Phil Murphy announced yesterday, they reopen to other parents on June 15. Within the next few weeks, non-contact sports activities and youth day camps also may open up. What does all this mean? What about pools?

Commissioner of the Department of Children and ...

TRENTON, NJ – Day care centers for the children of essential workers have been opened throughout ...

MONTCLAIR, NJ - More than 100 people gathered in Glen Ridge Sunday to peacefully protest the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white police officer in Minneapolis kept his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes.

Speakers took the podium to express frustration and call for unity.

For nearly 45 minutes, the group assembled, with some Montclair residents in ...

MONTCLAIR, NJ - More than 100 people gathered in Glen Ridge Sunday to peacefully protest the ...